It’s almost Christmas – one of the most wonderful times of the year for those who have faith in Jesus. Why? Because this is the time of year when Jesus chose to come down to earth in human form as a mere babe. He did this because of His intense love for us.
But this time of year is difficult for a lot of people, perhaps because of lost loved ones, or maybe just remembrances of “the way things used to be.” It doesn’t help when we’re barraged starting in October with images of happy families with perfect children gathered around a beautiful Christmas tree – or seated all together at a huge dining room table eating the perfect dinner. We see no friction, just joy.
But that’s not always the reality, is it?
I know a lot of people who have had loved ones die this past year and they miss them terribly. I also know people who are not really looking forward to this season because the family members who are going to be joining them do nothing but complain, argue, or have such negative attitudes that they just can’t wait for January 1st to finally roll around – so these family members can go back home!
For me? I admit that I seem to get more down in the dumps each year as the season approaches. Why? It’s not that I don’t love Jesus with all my heart, but simply because there’s a battle raging in my mind…
Our pastor has been preaching a series these past weeks on our true home. Why do so many of us feel out-of-sync? Because we’re not really home yet. We may have a nice house, and we may be surrounded by loved ones, but there’s still something missing, and that missing piece will not be fully realized until we are finally gathered to our real home – up in heaven in Jesus’ presence. Oh how I long for that day!
Our worship pastor recently wrote a song entitled I’m Coming Home (you can see his video under our church Facebook page here). It shows many happy families, but the beginning of the video shows a car driving on a long, lonely snowy road. Going home…
But when will it get there? How long will it take? We just don’t know, do we?
There is such a battle raging for the mind. I can’t wait for heaven, knowing that finally I will be totally, completely home. My real home. My perfect home. The home where there will be no more pain, sorrow or tears (Revelation 21:4).
Don’t get me wrong. I have a wonderful husband, and we have our son Jeffrey that we love with all our hearts. But there’s still an empty hole – a hole that says things are not the way they should be.
However there are many different reasons why people struggle emotionally – not just during Christmas or holidays – but just in general.
I’m kind of surprised I’ve never mentioned this before, but one of my cousins brought up my dad a few weeks ago, and it jogged my memory bank. He had a lot of struggles. With what? Mental depression.
Some of my dad’s siblings also struggled with it. So at times – especially during seasons such as Christmas – I wonder if also one of the reasons I find myself getting so down is because I also have some of my dad’s genes within me.
Life is a battle, isn’t it? For me personally, I force myself during the “down” times to focus back on what’s really important: Jesus. However sometimes it’s really hard. Before I gave my heart and soul to Jesus, I used to bury my sorrow and loneliness in alcohol, drugs or bad relationships. But now I know the way I need to get back on track is to immerse myself in God’s Word, and to pray.
However some people just can’t do that, and they find themselves slipping deeper and deeper into an abyss. My dad – he was one of them.
For the next couple weeks I’m going to talk about my dad, and some of the things he struggled with. There was a lot of pain and sorrow, but in the end Jesus Christ – the lover of our souls – directed and guided him to just the right place, at just the right time.
So for those of you who may be struggling right now? Hang tight! God loves you more than you know. Our real home is coming, and when the time is right, we will finally arrive at our true destination.
The God Of All Comfort 